Method and Kit For Retrofitting Fluorescent Light Fixtures

ABSTRACT

Retrofit lighting kits allow for the reuse of fluorescent lighting fixture housings, already in place, while retrofitting new assemblies that increase efficiency, reduce energy consumption and demand, and reduce ongoing maintenance costs. A new fixture cover design(s) allows for the direct mounting of T5 4 foot bulbs to the original fixture housing still in place. This assembly provides a similar, or increased light level, to the previous twin 8 foot bulb and ballast installation, which is removed and recycled. The replacement product involves the installation of new custom fixture covers, mounted with one T5 high output nominal 4 foot lamp per cover, referred to as operative panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Commercial and industrial fluorescent light fixtures are inefficient tooperate and require significant maintenance cost. In the past, replacingsuch light fixtures required the removal and replacement of the fixture.Depending on the way the fixture is installed, significant remodelingcost can also be incurred to repair the ceiling area where the fixtureswere removed. The high cost associated with replacing these fixturesoften exceeds the cost benefits of replacement, to the point where it isnot economically feasible to replace the fixtures. Accordingly, there isa need for a low cost replacement method and kit that allows forupgrading such fixtures to more efficient lighting systems, with reducedmaintenance cost. The method and kit need to allow the main fixturehousing and the input wiring from the fluorescent fixture, to beretained to reduce installation and remodeling costs, associated withthe replacement of such fixtures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a concept and method that allowsfor the reuse of one, two or more existing fluorescent lighting fixturehousings already in place, while retrofitting new assemblies thatincrease efficiency, reduce energy consumption and demand, and reduceongoing maintenance costs.

In the first configuration, a new fixture cover design allows for thedirect mounting of T-5 (4 foot nominal) tubes, to the original fixturehousings, with the original housing still remaining in place. Theassembly can provide a similar or increased light level. The replacementproducts of the invention gives the advantage of quickly replacing oldinefficient linear strip style fluorescent dual lamp fixtures, with ahigher quality and more efficient lighting source, while concurrentlylowering the cost of operation, and maintenance. In addition, in thisconfiguration, inefficient fixture ballasts are replaced with oneelectronic ballast, which can serve one, two or more fixtures. Thereplacement covers can be configured and customized in a number of waysincluding, but not limited to, holding varying lamp lengths, wattages,quantities, configurations, different finishes, seals, covers, andplacement of lamps to improve aesthetics and/or performance.

In a second configuration of this invention, older troffer stylefixtures, used primarily in office suspended ceiling environments, andoften referred to as “drop in” fixtures, can be retrofitted with alighting system comprised of compact fluorescent lamps placed inchannels and sockets, to reduce operating costs and maintenance.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the followingdetailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanyingdrawings.

IN THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art fluorescent light fixture.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of prior art fluorescent light fixture withthe components removed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a partially assembled light fixture ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the light fixture of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a light fixture with additional featuresthat can be used with the invention.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a replacement operative panel that canbe used in the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a replacement non-operative panel thatcan be used in the present invention.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of an assembly of panels and componentsthat can be used in the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the light fixture of the presentinvention, when applied to troffer light fixtures of the 24 inch by 48inch (two foot by four foot) fixture design, primarily installed insuspended ceiling applications.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the light fixture of the presentinvention, when applied to troffer light fixtures of the 24 inch by 24inch (two foot by two foot) design, primarily installed in suspendedceiling applications.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the internal power barcomponent of the present invention, when applied to troffer lightfixtures of the 24 inch by 48 inch (two foot by four foot) fixturedesign.

FIG. 8A is an exploded perspective view of the light fixture of thepresent invention, when applied to troffer light fixtures of the 24 inchby 24 inch (two foot by four foot) fixture design.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the internal power barcomponent of the present invention, when applied to troffer lightfixtures of the 24 inch by 24 inch (two foot by two foot) fixturedesign.

FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view of the light fixture of thepresent invention, when applied to troffer light fixtures of the 24 inchby 24 inch (two foot by four foot) fixture design.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A kit and method is disclosed to retrofit commercial and industrialfluorescent light fixtures using the T12 F96 and T8 F96 (8 foot) duallamp technology, with T5 nominal 4 foot 54 watt high output tubes, usingjust two lamps, mounted end to end, on two new replacement fixture coverplates, with customized attachments and connectors. The features of theinvention will be more readily understood by reference to the attacheddrawings and the descriptive material.

The present invention for a replacement kit 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-4relates to a kit and method to retrofit commercial and industrialfluorescent light fixtures 12. The light fixtures 12 have a pair of T12or T8 fluorescent bulbs 11 that are connected to pin sockets 9. The pinsockets and fluorescent bulbs are mounted on the top panel 8 a fixturebox 7. A ballast 5 is positioned in the fixture box 7 beneath the toppanel 8 the fluorescent bulbs 11. The ballast 5 is connected to a sourceof electricity and is used to power the two fluorescent bulbs 11. To usethe kit of the present invention, the top panel 8, ballast 5, pinsockets 9 and fluorescent bulbs 11 are removed from the light fixture12. This leaves an empty fixture box 7 as shown in FIG. 2.

The retrofit kit system is made of several parts as shown in FIGS. 3-4.The replacement fixture cover 14 is made up of a formed plate, whichconforms to the shape of the existing fixture box 7, and acts as areplacement cover. The fixture cover 14 has a center section 13 and anouter flange 15 that extends from each side of the center section. Theouter flanges are disposed to engage the sidewalls 6 of the fixture box7. The outer flange 15 is used to mount the fixture cover 14 on theexisting fixture box. Several styles of these covers would allow for theability to retrofit essentially every 8 foot, F96 T12 and F96 T8 fixturecurrently in use. A mounting bracket 16 is used to attach each T-5 dualpin socket 26 to the replacement cover. Each bracket 16 isinterchangeable to allow uniformity. Each bracket 16 has end sections 17that overlap the sidewalls 6 of the fixture box 7. Alternately, the newfixture cover 14 may be installed without brackets, by attachmentdirectly to fixture box 7 using standard sheet metal screws, allowingthe use of the original fixture 7 end caps. In addition, a metalreflector 18, which is solid or pierced, can be mounted on the fixturecover 14 behind each fluorescent lamp 24. Each cover 14 can accommodateseveral styles of screws or fasteners. These screws and fasteners mayallow entry into the fixture for wiring and maintenance access. On theback of each cover there is a mounting bracket 30, which allow themounting of the new high efficiency T5 fluorescent ballast 22. With thisballast mounted on the back of the fixture cover, the cover acts as aheat sink to dissipate heat and also allows for modular wiring harness32 with connector sockets to quick connect or disconnect the cover withthe fixture. With these quick connect components the system would use acustom designed multipurpose wiring harnesses 32 that would act toconnect the new retrofit ballast 22 and dual pin sockets 26 to the powersupply, and to allow quick disconnect for these components as well. Anycover could be connected to a grounding cable if code so proscribed.

Dual pin sockets 26 can also be directly mounted on the replacementfixture cover 14 to mount and operate the new T5 fluorescent tubes 24.In this example, two T5 lamps 24 are mounted on each 8 foot originalfixture body 7.

From creating and the operation of actual in-lab retrofit test kits andretrofit fixtures, it was discovered that the actual product performedbetter than anticipated. The retrofit kit product exceeded theillumination expectation, when measured at the user surface.

For this reason, it is now known that in applications in which there arecontiguous rows of fixtures using two tubes of T8 or 112 fluorescentlights, the retrofit kits can be installed as in the original concept,or can also be installed in a second manner, less costly to operate.This second example is designed to allow the use of fewer of the 4 footT5 lamp covers, in the retrofit process.

In the previous description, the new covers 14 using T5, 54 watt lamps,are placed end to end continuously, replacing the dual 8 foot lampconcept, in the original T8 and 112 fixtures.

In this second configuration, as shown in FIGS. 5, 5A, 5B, and 5C thesame disassembly process is performed, and the same ballast and tubesare retrofitted, with a major exception: The number of lamps andballasts are reduced in this alternate configuration.

In these alternate kits, the T5 lamps 24 are still installed on the oldfixture box 7 in line, but with a decided difference. They are no longerinstalled continuously end to end, but have spacers 36 between them toreduce the number of lamps, which in turn reduces the number of lumensreaching the surface, at user level. These alternate retrofit kitsincorporate a combination of “operative panels” and “non-operativepanels”. The spacer panels 36 are called “non-operative panels”, andhave no added operational sub-assemblies. The panels 38, with assembliesattached, are a combination of the fixture cover 14, optional reflector18, and dual pin sockets 26 as well as T 5 lamps 24 and are called“operative panels”. The panels 38 are essentially similar to the fixturecovers 14 previously described.

These non operative panels 36 range in length from as little as 6 incheslong to as much as 24 inches long and are approximately 4 to 5 incheswide, depending on the width of the fixture box to be retrofitted. Theoperative panels 38 are approximately 48 inches long. These operativepanels 38 are installed on some of open fixtures to be retrofitted,aligned between the non-operative panels 36 bridging across fixturesmounted contiguously, which varies from the manner previously described.

This second configuration reduces the number of T5 lamps, T5 dual pinsocket connectors, and new electronic ballasts even further, than in theoriginal concept. Light levels can remain at or near the originalfixture levels before retrofitting, or be adjusted up or down, with thismethod. The length of the non-operative panels 36 used is calculated tobe effective for any needed light level. At the user surface, the lightlevels can be decreased or increased, through the use of, or absence of,these non-operative panels, during retrofit.

This retrofit system works to allow safe and fast retrofit ofinefficient T12 and T8 96 inch fixtures, to save time and ongoing energyusage. The custom cover 14 or the operative panels 38 and theirsubcomponents, act to reduce installation time, reduce energy use, andreduce ongoing maintenance. The combination of new electronic ballast,lamps, connectors, wiring harness, and custom cover configurations allwork in unison. The use of non-operative panels 36 is discretionary,based on the installation requirements, and light levels sought.

The replacement cover 14 or operative panel 38 may hold T5 lamps ofvarying lengths and wattages to affect certain lighting patterns andattain certain specifications for the fixture in performance oraesthetics. The cover 14 or operative panel 38 may also completelyencase the original fixture body 7 for aesthetic or functional reasons,depending on use or environment.

The new replacement cover 14 or operative panel 38 may be customized inseveral ways to improve aesthetics and to allow wider usage. The coveror operative panel may be curvilinear to improve reflectivity of thelight to the surface of use. It may also have a mirror finish or aremovable reflector for the same purpose. In addition, it may haveadditional lamps mounted on the cover to allow it to be used to createmore light, which may be needed in a plant growing or agriculturalusage. It may also be made with seals and shields on the lamps toprotect them from wind, water or other natural or unnatural externalelements.

An additional example of a way to design the operative panels, andnon-operative panels is shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. FIG. 5A shows anoperative panel that is able to be attached to the original fixture body7 without the use of additional brackets 16. In addition, the T5 dualpin lamp holders 26 are built into the operative panel and not mountedon a separate bracket. FIG. 5B shows a non-operative panel that can beattached to the original fixture body 7, without the use of additionalbrackets 16. FIG. 5C shows the alternate operative and non-operativepanels and assemblies in a perspective drawing, as one example of a waythey may appear in an installation after retrofit.

The kit and method in this invention can also be used to retrofit a 24inch by 48 inch (two foot by four foot) troffer style light fixtures, aswell as 24 inch by 24 inch (two foot by two foot) troffer style lightfixtures using the original fixture shell and lens, and installing a setof ceramic sockets, compact fluorescent lamps, specialized channels, andcustomized wiring harnesses.

The original fixture architecture in the 24 inch by 48 inch (two foot byfour foot) design allows for four T8 or 4 T12, 48-inch (nominal) lamps,mounted side by side in the fixture. As an example, the F32 T8, or theF40 T12 lamps are generally found in these fixtures. Each fixture haseight of the clamp type dual pin lamp holders, and 2 ballasts, usuallyeither magnetic, or electronic. In addition, each fixture has a diffuserlens or diffuser grid covering the lamps. The diffuser is the sameapproximate size as the fixture itself, and may have been placed inservice with a frame mounting, or a rail mounting, system.

Retrofitting a 24 inch by 48 inch (two foot by four foot) rectangulardrop-in troffer style light fixture 50, as shown in FIG. 6 begins as thefixture was originally installed. The fixture has a rectangular fixturebox 48 and a removable fixture cover 46. In this configuration, thefixture generally has a magnetic or electronic lighting ballast, aballast cover, eight lamp holders, and four fluorescent lamps, as iswell known in the light fixture art. The fluorescent lamps are usuallyrated at 32 to 40 watts each, and measure about 46 inches from electrodeto electrode. They are normally described as T12 or T 8 lamps. Energyuse to illuminate these lamps is approximately 140 to 175 watts perfixture, when lit.

In this example, the retrofit kit for this installation has a customwiring harness 52, a three position wiring box system 51, three ceramicsockets 54, and three compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) 56. There areseveral benefits, attained by the facility operator in using this kit,including savings in maintenance, parts replacement, and operationalcost.

In this process, each fixture box 48 and diffuser lens 46 remains inplace and the internal operational parts are removed and recycled. Theremoved parts include the ballast, lamps, sockets, and ballast cover. Anadvantage is that the fixture box 48 is reused, not land filled. Theempty fixture, with the lens retained, is completely cleaned out andwiped down to create the highest possible reflective surface remaining.The diffuser lens is completely cleaned as well. Ceramic fixture sockets54 are mounted into a custom wiring harness 52 and wiring boxes 51, thefirst or primary designated wiring box, is wired to the electrical feed58 already in place, to provide power. The other two boxes 51 arepowered from the wiring harness. Three compact fluorescent lamps 56 areplaced in the fixture sockets 54 and lens is closed. Light reaching thesurface is dependent on the compact fluorescent lamp size installed.Reduction in the wattage of the compact fluorescent lamps will reducelight output, which may be desired in fixtures burning 24 hours a day.In general, the overall energy used to run the fixture is reduced, as isthe commercial power demand factor, when compared to the originalinstallation.

Maintenance is also reduced. The fixture requires fewer fixture entriesfor lamp replacement, and much easer replacement of lamps can be doneonce inside the fixture. With the new retrofit kit in place, if one lampfails, the balance of the lamps remain fully lit. This eliminates theneed for “on demand” maintenance caused in standard 4 lamp trofferfixtures, as when a lamp fails in the standard fixture, the fixtureoften dims, flickers, or buzzes. In addition, with the new kit in place,the fixture never requires rewiring due to ballast failure, afterretrofit, as there is no freestanding ballast in the new configuration.Lamp replacement cost is reduced, and simplified. Additional measurablesavings is attained, as a maintenance crew can do the retrofit, andongoing service, in most cases. In this example, the ceiling remainsundisturbed. In a fixture replacement scenario, the ceiling may requireadditional repair and/or replacement, when these fixtures are moved, ordisturbed.

Before the retrofit begins, the power is shut off and the circuitbreaker for the lights is blocked and tagged At this point the powerfeed conduit 58 may already be in place, entering the fixture through afixture end knock out plug 49. It is also possible that the feed conduitcan be attached to the top plate of the fixture and, if so, it may needto be moved to the closest fixture end knockout plug, before proceeding.In many cases the power feed will be a flexible conduit, with insulatedthree, or four, conductor, wire. This configuration allows the use ofeither of the knock out plugs on the fixture end cap, for retrofit.

After properly locating the power feed, the provided retrofit kitelectrical harness 52 and boxes 51 are mounted onto the sidewall 60 andend walls 61 of the fixture. The power feed will enter through one ofthe chosen knockout plugs for this application. The kit includes allneeded fittings and attachments, as well as the box covers, ceramicsockets, wiring harness, and grounding strap.

The three or four conductor wires are fed into the designated primarywiring box 51 provided, and wired to the wiring harness provided, usingwire nuts that are provided in the kit. The other two wiring boxes 51 donot require additional power feeds as they are already wired to thewiring harness 52. To finish the installation, the ground wire isaffixed to the flexible conduit in place, or to the green ground wirecoming in the wiring feed.

The cover on the primary designated wiring box is then refitted. Thesockets are tested for continuity and grounding, and three compactfluorescent lamps are placed in the sockets. The diffuser panel isclosed, and the retrofit is now complete.

The three 26 watt CFL lamps provide the approximate equivalent of 300watts of incandescent lighting. Alternate compact fluorescent lamps canbe chosen in the 14 to 18 watt range, which creates an approximateequivalent illumination to lamps rated at 60 watts to 75 watts ofincandescent illumination. A smaller wattage compact fluorescent lampmay be chosen if lower light levels are desired, or additional savingsare sought. Alternately, larger wattage lamps may be chosen, where morelight is needed for specialized tasks.

As an alternate installation for the 24 inch by 48 inch (two foot byfour foot) troffer retrofit kit, a second design element is described.In FIG. 8 and FIG. 8A the same method and benefits previously describedare expanded in this alternate installation. FIG. 8 shows a u-shapedpower bar 85 that can be used with the kits of the present invention.The retrofit kit feature is used with the light fixture box 48 shown inFIG. 6 as described above. First the supply power is locked out, theinternal parts are removed, and the box 48 and diffuser 46 (if present)are cleaned, before the installation of the retrofit kit begins. Thepower bar, a u-shaped insert 85, is positioned in the fixture box 48.The power bar u-shaped insert 85 has a flange 87 that extends from eachleg 89 of the insert. The flange 87 is designed to engage the base ofthe fixture box 48. Suitable securing means such as screws, glue orwelding can be used to secure the power bar u-shaped insert 85 to thebase of the fixture box. A plurality of ceramic sockets 91, arepositioned on each of the legs 89 of the insert. The quantity of saidceramic sockets may vary, based on light requirements, in any specificinstallation. A wiring harness 93 is positioned between the legs 89 ofthe insert and operatively connected to the ceramic sockets 91. Thecustom wiring harness 93 is also secured to the power supply wire thatis used to supply power to the light fixture box 48, using the originalupper housing entry cover, and original supply wiring. No shifting ofthe original power supply is necessary in this example. A compactfluorescent lamp 95 is positioned in each ceramic socket 91 to provideillumination to the desired level. The compact fluorescent lamps 95replace the less efficient fluorescent tube type of lights previouslyused. If the light fixture 50 has a lens or cover 46, such lens or covercan be repositioned on the light fixture after the installation of theinsert and fluorescent lamps is completed. The power bar u shaped insert85 and compact fluorescent lamps 95 have the same installation andoperational efficiencies as previously discussed with other replacementcomponents previously discussed. FIG. 8A shows the power bar 85installed in the fixture box 48, with six ceramic sockets and compactfluorescent lamps present in this example. Other examples may have fewerceramic sockets and lamps installed on the power bar 85, to vary desiredlight levels.

The kit and method of this invention can also be used to retrofit a 24inch by 24 inch (two foot by two foot) troffer style light fixture 70,using the original fixture box 69 and diffuser lens 68, if present, andinstalling a single 26 watt nominal compact fluorescent lamp 76 andelectrics 72, 78 as shown in FIG. 7.

Retrofitting a 24 inch by 24 inch square (two foot by two foot) fixture70 begins as the fixture was originally installed. In thisconfiguration, the fixture generally has a magnetic or electroniclighting ballast, a ballast cover, two mounting posts, four lampsockets, and two U-line fluorescent lamps. These lamps are usually ratedat 32 to 40 watts each. Energy use is approximately 75 to 90 watts perfixture, when lit. Some fixtures may have straight fluorescent lamps, asan alternate to the U shaped lamps described here, and their wattage mayvary in that case.

When retrofitted with a custom wiring box 72, ceramic socket 74, and acompact fluorescent lamp 76, there are several benefits, attained by thefacility operator. These include savings in maintenance, replacement,and operational cost centers as previously described.

The installation is similar to the installation previously described.The empty fixture 69, with the lens 68 retained, is completely cleanedout and wiped down to create the highest possible reflective surfaceremaining. A fixture socket 74 is mounted into a custom wiring box 72,and the box is mounted on the sidewall 73 of the interior surface of thefixture. A socket 74 is wired to the electrical feed 78 already inplace. A 26-watt compact fluorescent lamp 76 is placed in the socket,and the lens 68 is closed. Light reaching the surface is regulatedthrough the wattage of the lamp chosen for the application. Compactfluorescents can be chosen in a range of colors and wattages. The energyused to run the fixture is dramatically reduced. Maintenance is reduced,as the fixture requires fewer fixture entries for lamp replacement, asthere is only one lamp, not two. In addition, the fixture never requiresrewiring due to ballast failure, after retrofit, as there is nofreestanding ballast in the new configuration, to fail. In addition, the26 watt compact fluorescent lamp has a lower acquisition cost, than theU line lamps it replaces. An additional measurable savings is attainedas a maintenance crew can do the retrofit. The light fixture is notremoved, only upgraded; saving both the time and money associated withfixture or lamp replacement, by off staff personnel. Maintenance isreduced as fewer fixture entries are necessary after the retrofitprocess, to maintain the system. Due to the close proximity of thelamps, the ballast and the lens, the lamp life is often shortened inthis U line lamp style fixture, in its original design, due tooverheating in the enclosure. With the retrofit kit, this problem doesnot occur.

At this point the power feed conduit 78 may already be in place,entering the fixture through a side-hole knock out plug 80. It is alsopossible that the conduit will be attached to the top plate of thefixture. If this is the case, the wiring feed may need to be moved tothe side hole knockout plug, before proceeding. In many cases the powerfeed 78 will be a flexible conduit, with insulated three, or four,conductor wire. This configuration allows the use of any of the sidehole knock out plugs present, 80 for retrofit. The kit includes allneeded fittings and attachments, as well as the box cover and ceramicsocket, and grounding strap.

The three, or four, conductor wires are fed into the box 71 provided,and wired to the ceramic socket 74, to the wiring harness provided inthe kit. The ground wire is affixed to the flexible conduit in place, orto the green ground wire coming in the wiring feed as is well known inthe art.

The cover is fitted to the wiring box 72, and the socket and box aretested for continuity and ground. The 26-watt compact fluorescent lamp76 is placed in the socket. The diffuser panel or lens 68 is closed, andthe retrofit is now complete.

As an alternate installation in the 24 inch by 24 inch (two foot by twofoot) troffer fixture retrofit kit, a second possible design element isdescribed. In FIG. 9 and continued in FIG. 9A. The installation issimilar to the installation previously described. The empty fixture box69, with the lens 68 retained, is completely cleaned out and wiped downto create the highest possible reflective surface remaining. The samemethod and benefits previously described are expanded in this alternateinstallation. FIG. 9 shows a custom power bar that can be used with thekits of the present invention. As described above, the power is lockedout, the internal parts are removed, and the fixture box 69 and diffuserlens 68 (if present) are cleaned, before the installation of theretrofit kit begins. The power bar, a u-shaped insert 100, is positionedin the fixture box 69. The power bar u-shaped insert 100 has a flange101 that extends from each leg 102 of the insert. The flange 101 isdesigned to engage the base 75 of the fixture box. Suitable securingmeans such as screws, glue or welding can be used to secure the powerbar u-shaped insert 100 to the base of the fixture box. At least onelamp socket 91 is positioned on each of the legs 102 of the insert.Compact fluorescent lamps 95 of the desired wattage are chosen andinstalled. A wiring harness 93 is positioned between the legs 89 of theinsert and operatively connected to the ceramic sockets 91. The wiringharness 93 is also secured to the power supply wire that is used tosupply power to the light fixture 69, using the original upper housingentry cover, and original supply wiring. No shifting of the supplywiring is required in this example. A compact fluorescent lamp 95 ispositioned in each ceramic socket 91 to provide illumination for thelight fixture 69. The compact fluorescent lamps 95 replace the lessefficient fluorescent tube type of lights previously used in the lightfixture 69. If the light fixture 69 has a lens or cover 68, such lens orcover can be repositioned on the light fixture after the installation ofthe insert and fluorescent lamps is completed. The power bar u-shapedinsert 100 and compact fluorescent lamps 95 have the same installationand operational efficiencies as previously discussed with otherreplacement components previously discussed. FIG. 9A shows the power bar100 installed in the fixture box 69, with two ceramic sockets 91 and twocompact fluorescents 95 present, in this example.

The above detailed description of the present invention is given forexplanatory purposes. It will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat numerous changes and modifications can be made without departingfrom the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the whole of the foregoingdescription is to be construed in an illustrative and not a limitativesense, the scope of the invention being defined solely by the appendedclaims.

1. A replacement kit to convert common fluorescent lamp strip lightingfixtures with higher efficiency lamps comprising: a plurality of panelsadapted to be positioned on empty strip lighting fixtures, the panelsbeing designed to be affixed to the lighting fixture at any position andto bridge across the empty fixtures that are mounted contiguously; apair of dual pin sockets mounted on each panel to allow the placement ofhigh efficiency lamps on each operative panel; a plurality of spacerpanels adopted to be positioned on empty commercial strip lightingfixtures, the spacer panels being positioned adjacent panels to allowthe increase or decrease of light levels at a user surface, the spacerpanels, are designed to bridge across empty lighting fixtures mountedcontiguously. a high efficiency ballast positioned on the back of anychosen panel for powering two high efficiency lamps on any one fixture,as well as two or more lamps on panels on adjacent strip fixtures; awiring harness designed to allow one high efficiency ballast to powermultiple panels with high efficiency lamps bridging multiple fixturesand spacer panels.
 2. The kit of claim 1 wherein the panels are fromabout 36 inches to about 60 inches in length.
 3. The kit of claim 1wherein the spacer panels are from about 6 inches to about 24 inches inlength.
 4. The kit of claim 1 wherein the panels and spacer panels havean outer flange that extends over the sides of the lighting fixtures. 5.The kit of claim 1 wherein the panels are curvilinear to improve thereflectivity of light from the high efficiency lamps.
 6. The kit ofclaim 1 wherein the panels have a mirror finish to improve thereflectivity of light from the high efficiency lamps.
 7. The kit ofclaim 1 wherein a reflector is mounted on the panels, the reflectorbeing positioned between the light fixture and the high efficiency lamp.8-14. (canceled)